Samoa

Travel guide of Samoa

Samoa is a wonderful destination in the South Pacific consisting of 2 major and 8 minor islands, inhabited by a nation proud of their traditions, culture and the Faa-Samoa - their easy way of life. The islands of volcanic origin are covered with rainforests inhabited by many exotic bird and animal species, the mountains are sliding down to white sandy beaches, lagoons and the surrounding sea is home to many fish, dolphins, whales, turtles and coral reefs. Samoa is suitable for relaxing or romantic seaside holiday in touch with tropical nature and strong culture with 3000 years of history.

Useful information

Land, geography

• total of 10 islands, each with different environment
• 2 major islands - Savai'i and Upolu, remaining 8 islands are smaller. Manono and Apolima are 2 inhabited smaller islands between Upolu and Savai'i.
• Apia - capital on the island of Upolu
• located in the South Pacific, 1.800 miles / 2.897 km north of New Zealand, 740 miles / 1.190 km east of Fiji

Climate & Weather

• tropical islands
• pleasantly warm throughouth the season
• average yearly temperature of 29°C / 84°F, ranging from 21°C / 70°F to 30°C / 86°F
• cooler from May to November by the South-East trade winds
• 2 main seasons:
• dry season from May to October
• wet season from November to April

Travel season

• travel destination with suitable conditions all year round
• dry and wet season as noted above

Time zone

• UTC/GMT +13 - Samoa changed its time zone on 29 December 2011 from being 11 hours behind Greenwich Time (UTC -11) into being 13 hours ahead of it
• no daylight saving time (changing time)

Currency, payments

• Samoan Tala; 1 WST = approx 0,38 USD
• major credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners & JCB) in most hotels and some restaurants and stores
• ATM machines available at the International Airport, downtown Apia and at Salealoga (Savai'i)
• local banks - the National Bank of Samoa, Samoa Commercial Bank, and International ANZ and BSP Bank

Fly to Samoa, airlines

• international flights from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand
• domestic flights from American Samoa
• Samoa Airways operates international flights from Australia via Sydney (SYD) and Brisbane (BNE)
• international airlines operating Samoa: Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand (Star Alliance member), Virgin Australia, Talofa Airways
• international airports: Faleolo Airport at Upolu island, further smaller airports (like Fagali'i Airport)

Transport

• airport transfers provided
• local bus service on both Upolu and Savaii islands, inexpensive
• car rental companies, but foreign driver's licence has to be validated prior to driving in Samoa. Validation costs WST 10 and can be performed at the Ministry of Works Transport & Infrastructure, in Apia, just across the road from the flea market.
• taxis in Samoa are un-metered and the fares are set by the government; approx minimum charge is WST 2,50 for a short trip within a town
• ferries between the islands of Upolu and Savaii for both passengers and vehicles
• scooter and bike rentals

Entry requirements

• visa not required
• passport valid for at least six more months and valid return ticket required
• departure tax of WST 40 applied to all travellers above 12 years of age

Travelling since 2020

• Travel world changed in 2020 with the worldwide lockdown. Travel conditions are still being updated, airlines releasing new schedules, hotels and destinations applying new arrangements where necessary. As it is hardly possible to keep all relevant information on our websites up to date, we will inform you about current situation at the time of your request and of your journey.
• If the destination you choose is not yet accessible for travellers from your country, we will recommend a similar available option.

Duty Free

• For every visitor entering Samoa a written declaration is required.
• 21+ years are allowed to carry on person 200g of cigarettes or 2.2l of top shelf or liquor bottle.

Electricity

• 240 Volt / 50 Hz AC power through the same three-pronged style of plus that is used in Australia and New Zealand
• The use of American appliances will require an adapter and a voltage converter which can be brought from overseas or purchased in Samoa at various retailers.

Internet, signal coverage

• approximately 99% of Upolu and Savaii has access to the internet and telephone communications
• global roaming services are available in Samoa although are much more costly than local telephone services
• mobile phones are available for hire in central Apia, phones used in Apia will work in Savaii and vice-versa

Language

• Samoan, one dialect
• English used widely in commerce, locals understand basic English

Religion

• most Samoans identify themselves as Christian and attend church services at least once a week
• Christianity arrived in Samoan islands in 1830 and integrated with their beliefs in gods for the sun, earth, heavens and sea
• Sunday is nationally a day of rest
• Sa or sacred - in selected villages a compulsory evening prayer curfew between 6-7 PM marked by a bell or blow of a conch shell, lasting 10-20 minutes and ending on a third bell. Avoid walking through villages or crossing the road during Sa, vehicles cannot drive village at this time.

Health

• Samoa is free from most tropical diseases including Malaria
• Samoans still use traditional medicine, sources from nature

Tipping

• tips are not expected in Samoa

Dress

• light summer clothing is appropriate all year round, with the exception of some cooler evenings and rainy days a light sweater or pants might be necessary
• smart casual evening wear is appropriate for hotels and restaurants
• in villages visitors should not wear bathing suits; for swimming or sunbathing no nude or topless for women, men should wear shorts instead of speedos
• appropriate attire in church - formal top / long skirt / dress for women, Ie faitaga (Pocket Lavalava) with Elei shirt / Aloha / Polo shirt

Nature

• tropical rainforests, volcanic mountains
• white sandy beaches on Upolu island, f.e. Lalomanu beach
• watering holes and waterfalls
• blowholes
• home to flying foxes, plentiful of birds, skinks and geckos
• sealife - dolphins, whales, porpoises, turtles, 900 fish species, 200 varieties of coral
• the islands are surrounded by coral reefs and lagoons
• natural conservation areas in Upolu, f.e. Le Pupu-Pue National Park including the summit of Mount Fito, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve - the snorkeling paradise with sudden drop, coral walls and tropical fish; the Saanapu and Sataoa Mangroves, several magnificient waterfalls
• natural conservation areas in Savai'i, f.e. Falealupo Rainforest Preserve with a canopy walf, Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve with the possibility of bird and flying fox watching (also samoan tooth-billed pigeon); Aopo lava cave, Aopo Conservation area, Mu Pagoa Waterfall

Culture & Traditions

• Samoa is known as the Heart of Polynesia
• 3000 years of history
• strong local traditions

Faa-Samoa - the Samoan way of life

• more than 362 villages in Samoa, increasing number of Matai - Chiefs
• the land of the villages are owned by aiga - extended family units headed by matais
• Fale Fono - main structure of a typical Samoan village, place where matais meet to discuss village matters
• Maota - place in the village where the families meet to enjoy special occasions
• traditional medicine is still much alive, women use leaves for medical purposes
• Samoans are wise people connected to their land and nature
• Puletasi - traditional attire for women consisting of 2 pieces, a top and a matching long wrap around skirt

Traditional Samoan dance

• Siva - traditional Samoan dance performed by Taupou, a daughter of the high chief; her movements telling a story without words. Taupou as a princess is protected by her brothers, so Samoan men dance around.

Traditional tattooing

• sacred to Samoan culture, passing down through generations
• tools used were crafted from shells (now use sterilized needles as well)
• Tatau or Sogaimiti - traditional men's tattoo, takes weeks to complete all 12 stages, depending on the strength of individual as the process is painful, crafted from rip cage down to knees. Tatau shows the maturity of a man who is ready to take up the responsibilities in a family and community.
• Malu - traditional women's tattoo, similar to men's Sogaimiti, but taking just one day to complete, drawn from tights to the knees. Woman is then considered Taupou or sacred and must be protected.

Excursions / must see

Samoa Cultural Village tour

• usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30 AM
• tour of authentic village to see traditional tatooing, Umu - earth overn cooking, wood carving, Tapa / Siapo making, entertainment with fresh hot umu served usually on Mailo, a plate weaved from coconut leaves
• highly recommended

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

• original plantation home of Robert Louis Stevenson at Upolu island near Apia, restored, containing many of his belongings
• Stevenson, Scottish writer, the author of 'Treasure Island', 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde', 'Kydnapped', etc., settled in Samoa in the early 1890s with his family. He was fascinated by Polynesian culture and wrote several letters to The Times on the islanders' behalf and published few novels (The Beach of Falesa, The Ebb-Tide) condemning European colonial exploitation.
• Samoans named Stevenson Tusitala - tale teller and after his death buried him in a way normally reserved for royalty

Sights at Upolu island

• Sacred burial grounds at Mulinu’u
• Papase’ea Sliding Rocks
• The Falemata’aga Museum of Samoa - information about the culture, history and environment of Samoa and the Pacific
• Piula Cave Pool - natural pool suitable for swimming, snorkeling or picnicking
• To-Sua Ocean Trench - the iconic ocean trench with a ladder

Sights at Savaii island

• Tia Seu Ancient Mound - the largest ancient structure in Polynesia
• Alofaaga Blowholes - south of the island
• Afu Aau waterfall
• Saleaula Lava Fields - north of the island
• Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary
• Falealupo Rainforest Preserve - with forest canopy walkway
• Giant’s Footprint in Falealupo
• House of Rock in Falealupo

Land sights are accessible by car, 4-wheel drive, bike or on foot, independently or by joining a tour.

Shopping, souvenirs

Most handicraft shops are in the capital, Apia, open all day. The main market Maketi Fou in Apia sells fresh local produce at flea market in Savalalo. Besides there are hotel gift shops and supermarkets. Popular souvenirs and shopping items are:

• lavalava - sarong dress
• bags, baskets and mats woven from narrow strips of leaves
• traditional toga mat of best quality made from strips of pandanus leaves
• traditional wood carvings like Kava bowls, walking sticks, war clubs
• handicrafted jewelry like rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets

Sports, activities

• Samoa is suitable for explorers of mountains and forests, waterfalls, caves, various beaches and water world.
• great for hiking and biking
• popular surfing destination, surf resorts
• ocean fishing
• popular for snorkeling
• diving - 1 PADI centre on Savai'i island, few on Upolu island
• swimming with turtles
• golf - only one public 18-hole Faleata Golf Course, Royal Samoa Country Club with 9 holes and a mini golf
• various Eco tours available
• Samoans like to play rugby, volleyball, soccer or Kilikiti - a Polynesian version of cricket

Food, cuisine

• large variety of restaurants, cafes, takeout restaurants, bars and nightclubs both at Upolu and Savai'i
• traditional food is very tasty, traditionally made in Umu (earth oven)
• among the typical meals: baked taro, breadfruit, bananas, palusami (fresh squeezed coconut cream wrapped in baby taro leaves baked in umu), fresh seafood like fish, lobsters, octopus...
• fiafia - traditional music and dance performance accompanied with dinner, also organized by some hotels on cultural nights

Special tourism

Accessible Tourism

• for visitors facing any challenges or disabilities we are ready to provide the best available options of transport, accommodation and services following their individual requirements
• let us know your special needs, we are happy to assist in creating a great holiday package fit for you

Interesting facts

• in the 1950s Samoa was visited by film stars like Marlon Brando and Gary Cooper who stayed at the famous Aggie Grey's Hotel
• movie 'The Hurricane' featuring Mia Farrow and Max von Sydow was filmed at Samoa

Events

Following days are celebrated, for enjoyment and learning

• Mother’s Day & Father’s Day - May 15, August 11
• White Sunday - October 12
• Easter Sunday
• Miss Samoa Pageant - September 7, last day of Teuila Festival
• Fa'afafine Pageant - August 30 - fa'afafine means "the way of a woman" and refers to men who are raised and identify as females. The community are considered a third gender and identify themselves different from the LGBT communities. Some fa'afafine may live entirely as females, while others adopt only some feminine attributes.
• Christmas - December 25
• Anzac - April 25
• Teuila Festival - September 1-7
• Independence Day - June 1
• LIFE CON Fashion Show
• Food & Wine Festival - September 14

Accommodation

• seaside resorts and hotels, boutique hotels, budget accommodations in Apia, motels
• Samoan beach fales - traditional simple coconut thatched huts which provide shade during the day and keep cool at night